Coachella Survival Guide

There’s only 2 months, 10 days, and 14 hours until the best two weekends of the year…Coachella! But it’s going to take a lot more than some outfit planning to prepare for the festivities ahead. Whether it’s your first time or fifteenth, you want to this weekend to rank as the most memorable of the year. Here’s our master list on how to survive & thrive at Coachella

1. ScheduleTrust us, you do not want to go in blind. Planning out your schedule is crucial to having a successful weekend. Cell service is not the best in the Indio desert so make sure you and your friends have a meeting spot. Before you make the trek to chella, check who’s playing and when. Chances are you’re going to have a few conflicts of artists you love playing at the same time. Once you pick and make your schedule, send it to your squad so you’re all on the same page!

2. Fanny Packs Such a simple but absolutely crucial artifact. Fanny packs went out of style like 3 decades ago, but music festivals have made it socially acceptable to sport them once again! They’re actually the most useful/portable item you’ll known. The hands-free feature is key.

3. CashJust bringing a credit card may seem like a good idea, right? WRONG. Bring at least sixty dollars with you every day to cover the costs of food and water (and alcohol if you’re 21+). You can buy food on a card, but having cash makes the transaction easier. Pro tip: look for water refill stations to save some cash money.

4. ChargerPSA your phone will die. Since there’s no service, your battery drains super quickly. So having a charging case is clutch. If you don’t have a charging case still bring your phone charger! You can always charge up at a charging station while eating or taking a break from the crowds. Airplane mode is your friend!

5. Do LabThe Do Lab is Coachella’s hidden gem. Newbies usually don’t know about it since it’s not where the big names play. But it is definitely worth seeking out. It’s basically a electronic music waterpark meets tree house vibe. Plus DJs are always playing some headbanging music. You’re welcome.

6. FoodDefinitely take a break from the music to grab some food while you’re there! Coachella’s really been stepping up its food game. They have yet to release who will be there this year. But in past years they’ve had trendy venders such as CoolHaus, Kazunori, Burgerlords, Mexicali Taco, and Donut Farm…just to name a few.

7. Sunscreen GUYS wear sunscreen. Seriously? Just do it. No one is safe from the desert sun, especially when you’re under it for up to 10 hour each day.

8. DrinkingTrust us on this one – if you plan on drinking, do not pregame too hard. If you get too drunk not only will you not make it through the whole day, but you’ll be hungover the next morning. Keep in mind that Coachella is a 3 day festival. You paid a lot of money to be there, don’t let a hangover get in the way of your awesome weekend. Remember, it’s a marathon not a sprint.

9. SleepingThis is more important than you’d think. Whether you’re camping or in a hotel, make sure you have your sleeping arrangements figured out before you get to the festival. And sleeping on the floor of an overcrowded house is not the answer. Again there are 3 days of festivities. Your back will thank you for having a bed, or at least a couch.

10. Cochella Experience Above all else this is your weekend, no one else’s. Don’t be afraid to go off on your own. If you want to see Kygo and all your friends want to see Drake, go to Kygo. If you’re hungry and want to get a snack, go get some food. Don’t sacrifice your experience for anyone. Do as we say and Coachella 2017 is sure to be the most memorable yet.